Before you start

It is not necessary to soak the lentils in advance. If preferred, canned lentils may replace the dried lentils (2 cups canned is equivalent to about 1 cup dried).

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F.

Rinse the lentils and pick out any small stones and debris. Cook them in a saucepan of salted water, about 20-25 min until tender but still somewhat al
dente. Drain the lentils, discard the liquid, and set them aside.

Meanwhile, peel the potatoes, cut them in half then boil them 20-25 min until very tender. Drain them well and set aside.

Prepare the remaining vegetables: finely chop the onion; mince the garlic; and thinly slice the mushrooms. Heat half of the oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic then
sauté 3-4 min with occasional stirring. Heat the remaining oil in another pan over moderately high heat, then add the mushrooms and sauté, with some stirring, until they are golden-brown and any liquid they may release has evaporated, about 5 min. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer the mushrooms to the onion pan. Stir in the lentils, soy, Tabasco sauce and Parsley and Garlic Base. Adjust the seasoning, then transfer the contents to a baking dish.

Cook the frozen peas about 3 min in a small pot of salted boiling water. Drain well, then place the peas on top of the lentils.

Pour the milk into a large microwave-safe bowl. Add the butter and microwave on medium-high a few minutes, uncovered, until very hot. Add the cooked potatoes and mash the mixture until it is creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place a spoonful of the potato mixture on top of the lentil and pea layers, then gently spread it with a spoon to cover evenly.

Bake in the middle of the oven until the top is golden-brown, about 30 min. Serve.

Remarks

The pies can be frozen right after having been covered with the mashed potatoes and individually wrapped. They can be baked (taken directly from the freezer) for about 50 min at 190°C/375°F.